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The night in Ritou was calm, a rare moment of peace before the storm. The others had retired for the evening, but Yoshika remained on the balcony, her gaze lingering on the distant horizon. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of the sea, yet her thoughts felt heavy.

Furina, ever perceptive, noticed Yoshika’s absence and soon appeared beside her, draped in a loose, elegant coat over her usual attire. She leaned on the railing, tilting her head playfully.

“You’re awfully quiet tonight,” she remarked.

Yoshika sighed, not bothering to mask her exhaustion. “There’s a lot on my mind.”

Furina smirked, nudging her lightly. “That’s new. I thought you didn’t dwell on things.”

Yoshika’s lips twitched. “I don’t. But…” She hesitated, her dark pink eyes turning toward Furina. “You’re not worried?”

Furina lifted her chin, placing a hand on her hip. “Oh, absolutely! But you know me—I’d rather face my worries head-on with a dramatic monologue and a confident pose.” She spun theatrically, flicking her short white hair over her shoulder.

Yoshika exhaled a quiet laugh. “That does sound like you.”

Furina grinned triumphantly. “See? My charm is undeniable.” Then, her expression softened, her voice lowering. “But really, Yoshika… you don’t have to shoulder everything alone. Whatever happens, you have us. You have me.”

Yoshika turned away slightly, gripping the railing. “I know that. It’s just… Celestia isn’t like Teyvat. It’s ruthless, strict. They don’t allow weakness, and anyone who defies them is discarded.”

Furina’s expression darkened. “Then they’re fools.”

Yoshika blinked, surprised by the sudden intensity in her voice.

Furina crossed her arms. “Anyone who sees strength only in obedience is blind. You are strong, Yoshika. Even though I know you weren't kicked out because of your strength. not because of Celestia, but because of who you are. And if they failed to see that, then they never deserved you in the first place.”

Yoshika was silent for a long moment. Then, almost imperceptibly, her fingers brushed against Furina’s. The touch was brief, fleeting, but it held a warmth she hadn’t realized she needed.

“…Thank you.”

Furina’s eyes softened. She turned away, but Yoshika could see the faintest pink dusting her cheeks. “Well! I suppose I’m just naturally good at uplifting people. Former Fontaine’s biggest celebrity, after all!”

Yoshika shook her head, but her heart felt lighter.

The night stretched on, and for the first time in a long while, the weight of Celestia’s shadow didn’t feel so suffocating.

---
𝖠𝖭 𝖭𝖮𝖳𝖤: 𝖧𝖨𝖨𝖨𝖨, 𝖲𝖮𝖮 𝗂𝗆 𝗌𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗎𝗉𝖽𝖺𝗍𝖾😔😔 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝗒𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌 𝗂 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗀𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖺 𝗉𝗎𝗍 𝗋𝖺𝗇𝖽𝗈𝗆 𝖺𝗁𝗁 𝗉𝗂𝖼𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖾𝗌 𝖼𝗎𝗓 𝗂𝖽𝗄